Artemis

The Greek goddess Artemis, one of the 12
deities
who lived on the slopes of Mount Olympus*, was the twin sister of
Apollo*. Fond of hunting, archery, and wild animals, she was also
associated with childbirth, the harvest, and the moon. As a virgin
goddess, Artemis was considered the guardian of
chastity
and protector of maidens and small children. She was also worshiped by
the Romans, who called her Diana.

deity
god or goddess

chastity
purity or virginity

Titan
one of a family of giants who ruled the earth until overthrown by the
Greek gods of Olympus

Artemis and Apollo were the children of Zeus* and the
Titan
Leto. When Leto was about to deliver the twins, Zeus's jealous
wife Hera declared that she would not allow them to be born in any land
where the sun shone. For this reason, Zeus led Leto to a floating island
and caused a wave to shade the shore, creating a place for the birth that
was above ground but hidden from the sun.

Many myths about Artemis relate to her vengeful nature. She was known for
punishing humans who offended or angered her. In one story, a young hunter
named Actaeon came upon Artemis while she was bathing in a stream.
Although he knew better than to spy on a goddess, he was captivated by her
beauty. Artemis caught sight of Actaeon and, not wanting him to boast of
having seen her naked body, changed him into a stag. His own hounds then
attacked and killed him.

In another myth, Artemis and Apollo defended the honor of their mother,
Leto. A woman named Niobe, who had six sons and six daughters, boasted
that her offspring outshone Leto's two children. Outraged, Leto sent
Artemis and Apollo to punish Niobe. The twins shot Niobe's children with
their arrows, killing all of them.

In works of art, Artemis is often shown carrying her bow and arrows and
surrounded by her hounds. She appears in many literary works including
Homer's*
Iliad,
Ovid's*
Metamorphoses,
and one play of Euripides*.